Mason is a happy young man who tries to be as independent as possible. He is kind, thoughtful, sweet, sensitive, honest and helpful. Mason has a great sense of humor and will say “Don’t make me give you the stink eye,” scrunch his face and point at his eyeball. He loves fun, crazy socks and has quite the collection of hats and sunglasses.
He has enjoyed his special needs theater group, Special Olympic basketball, PALS baseball, Unified Gamecocks program, Night to Shine Prom and Surfers Healing. He loves to spend time with his family outdoors, going out to eat and to the movies, walking the dog and helping others. He also enjoys organizing his playing cards, dice and dominos.
Mason was diagnosed with autism at just 17 1/2 months old. There was a huge lack of knowledge about autism almost 21 yrs ago – it was all so new when Mason was born! His family was so scared and unsure of his future.
All of Mason’s accomplishments feel like a big win. Recently, he has done parasailing, a swamp boat ride and helicopter rides, and even does his own laundry.
Mason has hopes, dreams and feelings like everyone else. He sees the world from a unique perspective, and he is so much more than his diagnosis. We hope Mason’s future involves finding a job where he is accepted, appreciated and happy. And maybe one day he’ll find a girlfriend, too!